All Blacks wing Joe Rokocoko will make his return to action off the Auckland bench when they take on Hawke's Bay at Eden Park on Friday.

The 27-year-old has resumed training following a two-week break in the wake of the Tri-Nations, with Auckland boss Mark Anscombe believing that he is best served by a gentle reintroduction.

"He's had a busy year of rugby and has come into a new environment with different calls and names so we thought it would be easier for Joe to come off the bench and inject himself into the game in the second-half," Anscombe said.

Waikato have also received a boost from one of their All Blacks after fullback Mils Muliaina declared that he would likely return to ITM Cup action against Otago next week despite originally being ruled out of the tournament as part of the international rest period. Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu is two weeks away from a comeback after a long layoff with a shoulder injury.

"Guys such as Mils, who have a heavy involvement with the All Blacks, we haven't seen the last few years," Waikato assistant Scott McLeod told Sportal. "It's been outstanding that firstly he wants to come back and that he's able to."

Meanwhile, Counties-Manukau back-rower Fritz Lee has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous high tackle on Northland halfback Luke Hamilton. Lee was sent off for the tackle last weekend as Counties prevailed 40-24. Lee will be available to make his return for against Hawke's Bay on October 24.